Surgical headlamp

ABSTRACT

A surgical headlamp is provided which permits several degrees of freedom of movement of a high intensity headlight with respect to a headband worn by a user. The light is connected to the headband via two rotation joints which are connected by a pivot member which permits planar rotation of the headlight about the headband. The pivot member also permits the adjustment of the distance between the joint members to provide for the various types of instruments worn by surgeons about the eyes. A swivel member is connected to the headband and one of the joints to permit rotation of the headlight in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation permitted by the joint means.

Unite States Patent Chester SURGICAL HEADLAMP [75] Inventor: John E. Chester, Orange, Conn.

[73] Assignee: Edward Week & Company, Long Island City, NY.

[22] Filed: Sept. 22, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 291,446

[52] US. C1. 128/23, 240/59 [51] Int. Cl A611) 1/06 [58] Field of Search 128/22, 23; 240/52, 59,

240/60, 73 BJ, 81 BE [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,068,998 7/1913 German et al 240/73 B] X 1,705,465 3/1929 Cameron 240/59 2,757,574 8/1956 Thorburn 128/23 X 3,285,242 11/1966 Wallace 128/23 Primary Examiner-Lucie 1-1. Laudenslager Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lawrence S. Levinson; Merle J. Smith; John J. Archer A surgical headlamp is provided which permits several degrees of freedom of movement of a high intensity headlight with respect to a headband worn by a user. The light is connected to the headband via two rota- ABSTRACT tion joints which are connected by a pivot member 20 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures SURGICAL HEADLAMP BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a surgical headlamp in which the light is adjustable to virtually any desirable working position.

The device is worn on the head of a user, more particularly a surgeon, for carrying out procedures that require the highest degree of precision in closely confined areas. The headlight, so as to reduce the carriage weight, is divorced from the illumination source, and only the connecting leads need be borne by the user.

Prior art embodiments include light sources which are separated from the headlamp to reduce the weight carried by the user. It is quite important, however, that the headlight be capable of positioning in virtually any desirable orientation as determined by the particular needs of the user. Specifically, the light should be rotatable in planes perpendicular to, and coplanar with, the general sight plane of a user. These degrees of freedom of movement permit essentially universal movement of headlight for the various needs of the surgeon.

Several of the prior art devices satisfy the freedom of movement criteria discussed above. One such device utilizes ball and socket joints. However, one further de gree of freedom of movement is highly desirable. In many surgical applications the surgeonwill wear optical devices and the like which may be required by the particular operation being performed. These devices vary in size and shape and a completely utilitarian headlight should be adaptable for use with most if not all these optical devices. To satisfy this requirement it is necessary that the means which connects the headlight to the headband permit the selective adjustment of the distance between the headlight and headband. In other words, for some optical devices there need be a relatively large distance between the headlight and headband, and for other optical devices a relatively small distance is necessary. The present invention not only provides for relative universal movement, but also permits the adjustment of the relative headlightheadband distance. Additionally, the prescribed movements are accomplished with a very simple and inexpensive connecting means which means is easily manipulated by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a headlamp of superior construction which conveniently permits adjustment of the headlight to preferred orientations.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a headlamp which allows adjustment of the distance between the headlight and headband.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a headlamp which is light in weight, reliable of performance and characterized by dependable interaction of the moving parts.

In accordance with the above designs a surgical headlamp comprises an adjustable headband and a headlight attached thereto. The headlight is attached by means of movable joints which permit several rotational movements as well as a translational movement.

A first joint means is pivotally connected to a second, turret mounted joint means. The first joint means IS connected to the headlight and permits the headlight to rotate thereabout.

A pivot member connects the two joint means and also permits the adjustment of the distance therebetween. Spaced openings formed in the pivot member cooperate with a spring loaded stop member housed in the second joint means. The spring is received in the openings to releasably secure the pivot member in a particular position. The position chosen depends on the type of surgical devices the surgeon must wear. The pivot member in permitting adjustment of the distance between the two joint means permits a wide variety of surgical devices to be accomodated by the headlamp.

The second joint means is turret mounted to the headband, in other words, it is capable of rotational movement in pairs of perpendicular planes. A base part is rotatably mounted to the headband which permits rotation in a generally vertical plane (assuming the user is in an upright position). In addition, the second joint member permits the pivot member to rotate thereabout in planes perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the base part. Additionally, both joint means include means to lock the joints at a particular orientation.

The above and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, is a perspective view of the entire surgical headlamp embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2, is a side elevational view of the means to connect the headlight to the headband phantomly shown in various positions;

FIG. 3, is a view partially in section taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4, is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the second joint means; and

FIG. 5, is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the first joint means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the entire headlamp assembly 10 is shown in perspective. A fiber optic lens assembly 12 is movably connected to the headband 14 by the joint means assembly 16. The headband 14 is similar to prior art types and basically consists of the band 18 which encircles the physicians head and the cross-band 20 which spans the skull and maintains the entire headband 14 in place. The band 18 is adjustable for various head sizes and utilizes a friction locking means 22 to maintain a specific head size. Also, the cross-band 20 is adjustable in that its two ends 24 and 26 overlap, there being spaced holes 28 in end 24 and a detent on end 26 which is received in the various holes 28 to maintain a specific setting. The flanges 30 serve to prevent the ends 24, 26 from pivoting with respect of each other. For the comfort of the surgeon, a band of spongy material 32 is situated on the forward interior part of the band 18 for direct contact with a physicians forehead. The conduit 34 contains the bundle of fiber optic strands, is connected to the headband l4, and conducts the light from a remote source (not shown) by way of jack 36 to the fiber optic lens assembly 12.

A means to movably connect the headlight to the headband 16 is capable of several different movements to satisfy the demands of various surgical procedures. It is necessary that it be possible to rotate the lens assembly 12 about an axis generally coincident with the line of sight of the surgeon. Additionally, it is most helpful if the lens assembly 12 is pivotable about the same axis; the aforementioned two movements resembling the action of a turret-type assembly. During the course of many surgical procedures a surgeon is called upon to wear various instruments about the eyes, such as magnifiers and the like, for work in extremely close or delicate areas. In such instances yet another movement is advantageous; that being the ability to selectively adjust the distance between the lens assembly 12 and the headband 14. These movements permit utilization by the surgeon of a wide variety of surgical devices worn about the eyes.

The means 16 basically comprises first and second joint means 40 and 42 respectively as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first joint means 40 serves to movably connect the lens assembly 12 to a pivot member 44 and the second joint means 42 movably connects the first joint means 40 and pivot member 44 to the headband 14.

Specifically the first joint means 40 permits rotation of the lens assembly 12 about the joint means central or longitudinal axis. That means 40 is characterized as having a midsection member 46 which is substantially cylindrical. The midsection member 46 has a radial hole 48 which can extend completely therethrough and an axial hole 50 which extends partially therethrough and registers with the axial hole 48.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lens assembly 12 includes parallel brackets 52, 54 which extend longitudinally outwardly on the side opposite the lens 56. The brackets 52, 54 have curvilinear end portions and have axial holes formed therethrough. The brackets 52, 54 are designed to fit about the bases 60, 62 of midsection member 46. The brackets 52, 54 are forced to bear against the bases 60, 62 by means of a frictional locking member 64 and the end cap 66. The frictional locking member comprises an integral raised front ring portion 68 having the flat friction surface 70 and the center hole 72. The friction locking member 64 and the midsection member 46 sandwich bracket 52 between surfaces 60 and 70. The end cap 66 is then threadedly received in both holes 72 and 50. As will be hereinafter described, end cap 66 is received into midsection member 46 a specific distance and friction locking member 64 is adapted to fit therebetween and also is permitted limited travel along the threaded section 74 of end cap 66. The friction locking member has a knurled outer surface 76 to facilitate grasping and has a recess 78 on the side opposite the ring 68. The end cap 66 has a head 80 which is received in the recess 78 but need not make contact with the walls thereof. Upon assembly of the various components just described, the lens assembly 12 can be locked in a specific orientation by rotation of the friction locking member 64 until the surface 70 and 60 frictionally lock bracket 52 in place. As this occurs the bracket 54 is similarly locked between surface 62 on midsection member 46 and another friction surface 82 on the cap 84. When it is desired to change the orientation of the lens assembly 12, one merely rotates the friction locking member 64 so as to release the brackets 52, 54 from the friction lock, the lens assembly 12 is appropriately adjusted, and then the friction locking member is turned so as to lock it in place.

The lens assembly 12 and the first joint means 40 are connected to the second joint means 42 by way of the pivot member 44. The pivot member 44 is received in the radial hole 48 and is fixedly secured to the first joint means 40 by means of the detent 92 formed on the forward end of the threaded section 74 of the end cap 66, which detent is received in the opening 94 in the pivot member 44. The pivot member 44 is also held in place by means of a cap 96 which is received in a recess 98 in the midsection member 46.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 it is seen that the second joint means 42 is rotatably connected to the headband 14. To accomplish such connection the second joint member 42 is provided with a base 100 which is connected to the headband 14 by means of the screws 102 which are threadedly received in corresponding openings 104 in the headband 14. The base 100 also comprises the cylindrical flanges 106, 108 which are at right angles to each other, and which define the generally cylindrical opening 110. The second joint means 42 comprises the brackets 112, 114 which are fixed to a base member 116. Member 116 has a shaft 118 and a flange 120 both of which are received in the opening 110. A generally cylindrical spring member 122 is received between the flanges 108, 120 and urges the respective base members 100, 116 toward continuous engagement. The second joint means 42, therefore, is permitted to rotate about the headband 12 in a plane generally perpendicular to the band 18.

Yet another movement is desirable, and that is the ability for the first joint means 40 to pivot about the second joint means 42. Such a capability is provided by an assembly similar to joint means 40. Specifically, as indicated in FIG. 4, there is a midsection member which is similar to midsection member 46. Additionally, the second joint means 42 includes a friction locking member 152 which is similar to friction locking member 64. Also, end cap 153 comprising a threaded section 154 and head section 156 is threadedly received in opening 158 in friction locking member 152 and is also received in an opening 157 formed in midsection member 150. The brackets 112 and 114 have central openings (not shown) and are frictionally and releasably held in place in the same manner as the brackets 52, 54. The pivot member 44 which connects first joint means 40 and second means 42 also permits the adjustment of the relative distance between the two means 40, 42. For such a purpose, the pivot member 44 is received in the axial hole 164 in midsection member 150 and includes a series of spaced openings 166 which are so located so as to register, one at a time, with the axial hole 164 in that midsection member. The pivot member 44 is releasably secured in any desired position so as to permit a relatively simple adjustment by the surgeon. This is accomplished by providing a stop member 168 which is spring 169 loaded and which is releasably received in the openings 166. The stop member 168 and spring 169 are both received in the axial hole 170 which is formed partially through threaded section 154 of the end cap 153. The cap 173 is received in the recess 174 formed in midsection member 150 and prevents the pivot member 44 from any movement below the upper most opening 166a.

The means 16 thus far described permits at least four separate movements. There is rotational movement permitted about both midsection members 46 and 150, the entire means 16 is permitted to rotate about band l 18 (in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of that band), and a translational movement which permits the adjustment of the relative distance between joint means 40 and 42, by way of the pivot member 44 arrangement. This last mentioned movement permits the use by the surgeon of various instruments which are generally worn about the eyes. Several of these movements are illustrated in FIG. 2 which phantomly indicates various positions of the lens assembly 12. Specifically, the lens assembly is shown in orientations of maximum and minimum distance between the joint means 40 and 42, as well as various orientations which require adjustment about the midsection members 46, 150.

It should be indicated at this time that it is possible to eliminate joint means 40 without severely restricting the use of the lens assembly 12. In other words, the lens assembly 12 could be directly connected to the pivot member 44 all the remaining structure being identical to that herein described and the permissible movements would be adequate for most applications. In addition, various changes may be made in the details which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and are intended to be embraced therewithin.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a surgical headlamp for use in carrying out surgical procedures comprising a headlight and a headband for the attachment of the headlight to the head of the user; means to movably connect the headlight to the headband comprising:

a. first joint means connected to said headlight;

b. second joint means pivotally connected to said first joint means and freely rotatably connected to said headband, said second joint means adapted for rotation in a multiplicity of pairs of perpendicular planes; and

c. a pivot member connecting said first and second joint means, said pivot member having means cooperating with means on said second joint means to permit selected adjustment of the distance between said first and second joint means.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said pivot member moves relative to said second joint means and is fixedly secured to said first joint means.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means on said pivot member comprises a plurality of spaced openings and said cooperating means comprises a biased stop member, which member is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said headlight includes bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headlight to said first joint means.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said first joint means comprises means to frictionally and releasably engage said bracket means, thereby to releasably maintain said headlight at a selected orientation.

6. In the combination of claim 1 said second joint means comprising bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headband to said second joint means.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said second joint means comprises means to frictionally and releasably engage said bracket means, thereby to releasably maintain said headlight at a selected orientation.

8. The combination of claim 5 wherein said first joint means further comprises a midsection member having a center hole and a radial hole formed therethrough, said pivot member being received in said radial hole,

and end cap received in said center hole which cap frictionally engages said bracket means, said'pivot member having'an opening which registers with said center hole and said end cap having a detent which is received in said opening to fixedly secure said pivot member in said first joint means.

9. In the combination of claim 7 said second joint means further comprising a midsection member having a center hole and a radial hole formed therethrough, said pivot member being received in said radial hole, and end cap received in said center hole which frictionally engages said bracket means, said pivot member having a plurality of spaced openings which selectively register with said radial hole and a biased stop member within an opening in said end cap, which stop member is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.

10. The combination of claim 1 wherein said second joint means comprises a base part rotatably connecte to said headband.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said base part includes a first member fixed to said headband, said member having an opening therein and a second member rotatably secured within said opening.

12. The combination of claim 11 including a cylindrical flange on said first member, a generally registering flange on said second member and a resilient member disposed between said flanges to rotatably secure said second member within said first member.

13. In the combination of claim 1:

a. first bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headlight to said first joint means;

b. second bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headband to said second joint means;

c. said first joint means comprising a first midsection member with threaded center hole and radial hole formed therethrough;

d. said second joint means comprising a second midsection member with threaded center hole and radial hole formed therethrough;

e. a pivot member connecting said first and second joint members which pivot member is received in the respective center holes of said midsection members;

f. a biased stop member in said second joint means which cooperates with a multiplicity of spaced openings in said pivot member to releasably secure said pivot member in a selected position and to permit the selected adjustment of the distance between said first and second joint means.

14. The combination of claim 13 further comprising an end cap received in the first midsection member center hole, which cap frictionally engages said first bracket means, said pivot member having an opening which registers with said center hole and said end cap having a detent which is received in said hole, to fixedly secure said pivot member in said first joint means.

15. In the combination of claim 13 an end cap received in said second midsection member center hole which cap frictionally engages said second bracket means, and said biased stop member received in an opening in said end cap.

16. In combination with a surgical headlamp for use in carrying out surgical procedures comprising a headlight and a headband for the attachment of the headlight to the head of the user; means to movably connect the headlight to the headband comprising joint means pivotally connecting said headlight to said headband, said joint means freely rotatably connected to said headband, and adapted for rotation in a multiplicity of pairs of perpendicular planes, a pivot member connecting said headlight and said joint means, said pivot member having means cooperating with means on said joint means to permit selected adjustment of the distance between said headlight and said joint means.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the means on said pivot member comprises spaced openings and the cooperating means on said joint means comprises a biased stop member which is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.

18. The combination of claim 16 said joint means comprising bracket means adapted to movably connect said headband to said joint means.

19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said joint means comprises means to frictionally and releasably engage said bracket means, thereby to releasably maintain said headlight at a selected orientation.

20. In the combination of claim 19 said joint means further comprising a midsection member having a center hole and a radial hole formed therethrough, said pivot member being received in said radial hole, an end cap received in said center hole which frictionally engages said bracket means, said pivot member having a plurality of spaced openings which selectively register with said radial hole and a biased stop member within an opening in said end cap, which stop member is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.

UNITEIl STATES PATENT CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 Dated g st C 20 1974 Inventor(s) John E. Chester It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the title page, the name of the assignee "should be -Edward Weck' & Company, Inc.--.

Column 3, .line 58, "surface" should read -surfaces-.

Column 6, line 1, "and" should read -an-- Column 6, line 11, "and" should read -an-- Signed and sealed this 12th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents I FORM PO-IOSO (10-69) U5cMM Dc 50375, 1: us. oovnmasvn rnmnua omc: an 0-3 

1. In combination with a surgical headlamp for use in carrying out surgicAl procedures comprising a headlight and a headband for the attachment of the headlight to the head of the user; means to movably connect the headlight to the headband comprising: a. first joint means connected to said headlight; b. second joint means pivotally connected to said first joint means and freely rotatably connected to said headband, said second joint means adapted for rotation in a multiplicity of pairs of perpendicular planes; and c. a pivot member connecting said first and second joint means, said pivot member having means cooperating with means on said second joint means to permit selected adjustment of the distance between said first and second joint means.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said pivot member moves relative to said second joint means and is fixedly secured to said first joint means.
 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means on said pivot member comprises a plurality of spaced openings and said cooperating means comprises a biased stop member, which member is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said headlight includes bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headlight to said first joint means.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said first joint means comprises means to frictionally and releasably engage said bracket means, thereby to releasably maintain said headlight at a selected orientation.
 6. In the combination of claim 1 said second joint means comprising bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headband to said second joint means.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said second joint means comprises means to frictionally and releasably engage said bracket means, thereby to releasably maintain said headlight at a selected orientation.
 8. The combination of claim 5 wherein said first joint means further comprises a midsection member having a center hole and a radial hole formed therethrough, said pivot member being received in said radial hole, and end cap received in said center hole which cap frictionally engages said bracket means, said pivot member having an opening which registers with said center hole and said end cap having a detent which is received in said opening to fixedly secure said pivot member in said first joint means.
 9. In the combination of claim 7 said second joint means further comprising a midsection member having a center hole and a radial hole formed therethrough, said pivot member being received in said radial hole, and end cap received in said center hole which frictionally engages said bracket means, said pivot member having a plurality of spaced openings which selectively register with said radial hole and a biased stop member within an opening in said end cap, which stop member is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.
 10. The combination of claim 1 wherein said second joint means comprises a base part rotatably connected to said headband.
 11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said base part includes a first member fixed to said headband, said member having an opening therein and a second member rotatably secured within said opening.
 12. The combination of claim 11 including a cylindrical flange on said first member, a generally registering flange on said second member and a resilient member disposed between said flanges to rotatably secure said second member within said first member.
 13. In the combination of claim 1: a. first bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headlight to said first joint means; b. second bracket means adapted to rotatably connect said headband to said second joint means; c. said first joint means comprising a first midsection member with threaded center hole and radial hole formed therethrough; d. said second joint means comprising a second midsection member with threaded center hole and radial hole formed therethrough; e. a pivot member connecting said first and second joint members which pivot member is received in the respective center holes of said midsection members; f. a biased stop member in said second joint means which cooperates with a multiplicity of spaced openings in said pivot member to releasably secure said pivot member in a selected position and to permit the selected adjustment of the distance between said first and second joint means.
 14. The combination of claim 13 further comprising an end cap received in the first midsection member center hole, which cap frictionally engages said first bracket means, said pivot member having an opening which registers with said center hole and said end cap having a detent which is received in said hole, to fixedly secure said pivot member in said first joint means.
 15. In the combination of claim 13 an end cap received in said second midsection member center hole which cap frictionally engages said second bracket means, and said biased stop member received in an opening in said end cap.
 16. In combination with a surgical headlamp for use in carrying out surgical procedures comprising a headlight and a headband for the attachment of the headlight to the head of the user; means to movably connect the headlight to the headband comprising joint means pivotally connecting said headlight to said headband, said joint means freely rotatably connected to said headband, and adapted for rotation in a multiplicity of pairs of perpendicular planes, a pivot member connecting said headlight and said joint means, said pivot member having means cooperating with means on said joint means to permit selected adjustment of the distance between said headlight and said joint means.
 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the means on said pivot member comprises spaced openings and the cooperating means on said joint means comprises a biased stop member which is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position.
 18. The combination of claim 16 said joint means comprising bracket means adapted to movably connect said headband to said joint means.
 19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said joint means comprises means to frictionally and releasably engage said bracket means, thereby to releasably maintain said headlight at a selected orientation.
 20. In the combination of claim 19 said joint means further comprising a midsection member having a center hole and a radial hole formed therethrough, said pivot member being received in said radial hole, an end cap received in said center hole which frictionally engages said bracket means, said pivot member having a plurality of spaced openings which selectively register with said radial hole and a biased stop member within an opening in said end cap, which stop member is generally received in said openings to releasably maintain said pivot member in a selected position. 